Pioneer Clubs Coordinator eNewsletter–Recruit Leaders that Stay: Communicate!

August 2005

Dear Pioneer Clubs Coordinator,

Recruit Leaders that Stay: Communicate!

One of the keys to getting and keeping good leaders is clear and complete communication at the start of your recruitment process. You want to get the right people to volunteer: those who are convinced of the value of the Pioneer Clubs program for the children who come to club.

While club leaders need to be willing to invest time and energy in their leadership role, remind potential volunteers that they will be helping children grow in their knowledge about God—and having fun, too.

Stress the goals and distinctive characteristics of the Pioneer Clubs program as you talk to prospective leaders . Chapters 1 and 2 of the Club Coordinator’s Manual provide the this information about the Pioneer Clubs program—and much more. Order the Club Coordinator's Manual at the following link: http://www.shoppioneerclubs.org/store/product.asp?ItemID=826&CategoryID=171&HeaderCategoryId=29&returnUrl=&RandomSeed=T6EC1.

Be ready to give specific answers to questions such as these:

What is the Pioneer Clubs program about?
When does the club year begin and end?
What level of time commitment should I expect for preparation?
Who will my coleader be?
What resources and materials will I be given?
Do weekly meetings continue during school holidays?

Clear and consistent communication is also a key factor in keeping good leaders. You need to let your leaders know they can come to you with questions and problems. Ask how their club is going—and then listen. If you get generic answers like, “Oh, fine,” follow up with specific questions:

How is your current unit going?
For which meetings might additional help be needed? How many? To do what?
What additional training would help you as a club leader?
How do you handle group discipline issues?

If any of your leaders answer that they are having discipline problems or want more training, suggest some of the flexible group of training options developed by Pioneer Clubs, ranging from videos and books to online training sessions and teleconferences. You’ll find many of these training resources listed on pages 4-5 of the new Pioneer Clubs catalog and in the Online Store located at http://www.shoppioneerclubs.org/recruitment_training/default.asp#79.

Jesus told Peter, "Feed my sheep." Pioneer Clubs is a wonderful way to feed knowledge of God to our children—but your leaders need care and feeding, too. When you recruit with specifics of what club entails, you'll get leaders with more realistic expectations. When you set up good lines of communication with your leaders, you’ll know which leaders to help when—and how. Your leaders will feel valued and cared for, be encouraged, enjoy their clubs more—and be more willing to say "yes" when you ask them to lead another year.

Action Ideas for August

Start planning your annual club calendar and get feedback from leaders—see sample (http://www.pioneerclubs.org/lrc/cc-resources.asp) on the Pioneer Clubs Web site.
Publicize your clubs’ start date EARLY. Use the Club Coordinator’s Manual (http://www.shoppioneerclubs.org/store/product.asp?ItemID=826&CategoryID=171&HeaderCategoryId=29&returnUrl=&RandomSeed=T6EC1) to help you plan your club year. Ask leaders to remind returning club members to bring friends.
Do you have e-mail addresses for your leaders? Make sure to put these on your club registration form so your leaders can receive our FREE monthly eNewsletters. Or sign up online! (http://www.pioneerclubs.org/lrc/newsletter/)
Get leaders to turn in award orders for their first units early.

Changed Lives
Pioneer Clubs has had a lasting impact on my life through the fellowship of others my age and the strong emphasis of God's Word. Every Wednesday night we would gather together in an opening session and sing our 'We Are Pioneers for Jesus' song. I can still remember all of the words to this day. Thank you for making a lasting impact in my life by training me in God's Word and in practical life skills."—Alison Wasser, former club member

We’d love to hear testimonies of how your club has seen God at work. Please e-mail Becky at ballenpowell@pioneerclubs.org with your name, church name, and how you’ve seen God at work in your club.

Today’s Kids...
Today's kids need acceptance and attention from significant adults. Learn club members' names quickly. Spend a little time with each club member during Activity Award times, showing interest in what he or she is doing. Let club members know they're valuable to God and you just because of who they are, not because of what they do.

Pioneer Clubs Announcements

Important 2005-06 Dates!

Mark your calendar today for these upcoming Pioneer Clubs events:

Training Teleconferences
Join us by telephone for these special LIVE and INTERACTIVE training sessions, especially designed to meet the needs of Pioneer Clubs coordinators and leaders! Topics covered:

Leader Recruitment and Retention
Promoting Your Club Program
Basic Training
Group Discipline

Go to http://www.pioneerclubs.org/trainingwork.htm for a complete schedule and registration information. We hope you can join us!

Autumn Kids for Kids Hike
October 15, 2005

Pioneer Clubs Sunday
February 12, 2006

Spring Kids for Kids Hike
April 22, 2006

Reflections

What are your goals for the new club year? Write them down to keep yourself focused!
What help do you need from others (leaders, parents, church staff) to reach these goals? Communicate your own needs, too!

Lighter Side
A Sunday School teacher asked her pupil, "Now, Billy, tell me, do you say prayers before eating?" "No ma'am," he replied, "We don't have to. My mom is a good cook!"